Suspension fork with bottom-out bumper assembly and air pressure release assembly
AssigneeFox Factory, Inc.
InventorsWilliam M. Becker, Damon Gilbert
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A suspension fork for a vehicle includes an upper tube and a lower tube slidably engaged with the upper tube collectively defining an interior. A topcap is positioned on the upper tube. A bottom-out assembly is disposed within the interior and comprises a bumper carrier positioned proximate to the topcap and an elastomeric bottom-out bumper affixed to the bumper carrier. An air pressure relief assembly can be integrated with the topcap. The suspension fork provides improved bottom-out protection and air pressure relief.
Claims20
A suspension fork, comprising:
- an upper tube;
- a lower tube slidably engaged with the upper tube, the upper tube and lower tube collectively defining an interior;
- a topcap positioned on the upper tube;
- and
- a bottom-out assembly disposed within the interior, the bottom-out assembly comprising a bumper carrier positioned proximate to the topcap and an elastomeric bottom-out bumper affixed to the bumper carrier.
A bottom-out assembly for a suspension fork, comprising:
- a bumper carrier configured to be positioned proximate to a topcap of the suspension fork;
- and
- an elastomeric bottom-out bumper affixed to the bumper carrier, wherein the bumper carrier comprises a receiving surface and an annular wall coupled to the receiving surface, and wherein the elastomeric bottom-out bumper is at least partially nested within the annular wall.
A bottom-out assembly for a suspension fork, comprising:
- a bumper carrier configured to be positioned proximate to a topcap of the suspension fork;
- an elastomeric bottom-out bumper affixed to the bumper carrier;
- and
- an air pressure relief assembly integrated with the topcap,
- wherein the bumper carrier comprises at least one opening in fluid communication with the air pressure relief assembly, the air pressure relief assembly comprising a release mechanism and an air seal, wherein actuation of the release mechanism disengages the air seal to equalize air pressure within the suspension fork and outside ambient air pressure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.